Their Manchester rivals look set to claim the title with plenty of time to spare, thanks in no small part to faltering performances from Roberto Mancini's men. They did not fare much better in Europe either, finishing bottom of their Champions League group and not picking up a single victory.

City's summer transfer dealings left a lot to be desired, too. Jack Rodwell, Maicon, Javi Garcia and Scott Sinclair have all struggled to nail down a place in the starting line-up, or even on the bench. Joleon Lescott, meanwhile, has fallen well down Mancini's pecking order.

Of course, the season has not been a total write-off. City are staging something of a late-season surge as they aim to capture the FA Cup for the second time in three years.

And there have been individual plus points; Kompany, Silva, Toure and Aguero have still contributed in spells, while Kolo Toure has proved a capable stand-in at centre-back and Costel Pantilimon has played every game on the way to a Wembley final against Wigan.

The improved Gael Clichy and James Milner are also worthy of a mention, but the three men below have been chosen by Goal.com as Manchester City's best players this season. Do you agree? Leave a comment at the bottom to let us know your thoughts.

CARLOS TEVEZ | FORWARD

Competition

Games

Goals

Assists

Booked

Sent off

League

28

11

12

3

0

FA Cup

5

5

3

0

0

Capital One Cup

1

0

0

1

0

Europe

5

0

0

0

0

Total

39

16

15

4

0

Carlos Tevez has been a divisive figure since moving to England in 2006, and he has certainly been no different at the Etihad Stadium. Last season he was famously sent to the peripheries after refusing to warm up against Bayern Munich, but this year he is back in the City ranks and has been one of their most impressive performers.

He directly contributed seven goals in his first four Premier League games, but was subsequently shuffled around the forward line as Mancini tried to identify his preferred set-up. One week he would lead the line in a 4-2-3-1, next he would play behind the central striker in the same formation, then he would partner somebody (Aguero, Mario Balotelli or Edin Dzeko) in a 4-4-2. He would often be moved around mid-game if City moved to a three-man defence.

Despite the upheaval and poor performances by players around him, he has still contributed 11 league goals and 12 assists. A steady return considering City's often conflicted approach.

He may not be at his most spectacular, but his work-rate, drive and ability on the ball are still there, and as he proved against Wigan, he still has the quality to win a match with a moment of brilliance.

MATIJA NASTASIC | DEFENDER

Competition

Games

Goals

Assists

Booked

Sent off

League

19

0

0

1

0

FA Cup

2

0

0

0

0

Capital One Cup

1

0

0

0

0

Europe

5

0

0

0

0

Total

27

0

0

1

0

Nastasic is no stranger to a baptism of fire. In his first start for Fiorentina he came up against AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and after an impressive season in Italy he was snapped up by Manchester City.

The Premier League champions' summer transfer dealings were largely disastrous, but the acquisition of Nastasic stands out as a great piece of business.

Mancini has no doubts about the ability and nerve of the youngster, and handed the then-19-year-old his City debut against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Since then, he has gone on to establish himself as Kompany's first-choice partner in the centre of defence, relegating the experienced duo of Lescott and Toure in the process.

Despite his young age he has proved a cornerstone of the City backline, even as Mancini flirted with a three-man defence. He has shown his ability to read the game and bring the ball out of the back on numerous occasions, and has kept many a striker in his back pocket. In a turbulent season at Eastlands, the young Serb has certainly been a bright spot.

PABLO ZABALETA | DEFENDER

Competition

Games

Goals

Assists

Booked

Sent off

League

26

2

2

6

0

FA Cup

5

1

0

1

0

Capital One Cup

0

0

0

0

0

Europe

5

0

0

1

0

Total

36

3

2

8

0

The Argentine right-back has proved to be a fan favourite at Manchester City over the years, but has taken his performances to another level this season.

Zabaleta, who has been known to watch City's reserve and youth matches with fans, has had to carry the can at right-back this season due to Micah Richards' injury, and has also stood in as captain in Kompany's absence.

Not only that, but he has played centre-back and left-back on occasions, and has not looked out of place.

He has not been fazed by any of the challenges in front of him and he has driven his side forward from the back. His attacking play has improved significantly and he remains the defensive rock he has always been, and could indeed lay claim to being the best right-back in the league.